Lighthorse (or Light Horse) is an official or colloquial name for the police forces of federally recognized tribes in the United States.
Historically, the term referred to the Five Civilized Tribes of the United States' mounted police forces.
In 1797, the Cherokees created organizations called "regulating companies" to deal with horse theft and other property crimes.
[1] One author asserted that the Cherokees took the force's name from General Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, who got the nickname because his cavalry moved so quickly.
"[5] According to historian Carolyn Foreman, the treaty stipulated, "...that all men, both white and red, may be compelled to pay their just debts, it is stipulated and agreed, that the sum of two hundred dollars shall be appropriated by the United States, for each district, annually, and placed in the hands of the agent, to pay the expenses incurred in raising and establishing said corps; which is to act as executive officers, in maintaining good order, and compelling bad men to remove from the nation, who are not authorized to live In it by a regular permit from the agent.
[6] At the outbreak of the Civil War, the Confederate States of America (CSA) made a treaty with the Creek Nation.
[7] During 1882–1883, a group of dissident Creeks led by Isparhecher revolted against the leadership of Principal Chief Samuel Checote.
In 1876 Governor John Brown hired A. Q. Teague, a young cattle drover from Texas, as the first lighthorseman.